RAFA BENITEZ believes Chelsea have now eclipsed Manchester United as Liverpool's deadliest rivals.

Liverpool versus United fixtures have traditionally been the most hostile of the season, but the contrast in intensity between the recent visits of Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho underline the shift.

Benitez's respect for Ferguson was made clear prior to United's Anfield fixture earlier this month.

Mourinho, however, is viewed as much for his acting as coaching skills at Melwood.

And Benitez senses the Chelsea manager's constant sniping about his team ensures it's now fixtures with the London club which matter most to his fans.

"People used to talk about the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool," said Benitez.

"Arsenal came onto the scene and were the best team for a few seasons and everyone wanted to beat them, but now it's Chelsea.

"When you know you're competing with each other for trophies, there is sure to be a rivalry. They try to play mind games with us with their words, but we always stay focused on our game."

Benitez has told his players concentration on set-pieces is the key to keeping another clean sheet at the weekend.

All five Chelsea goals against the Reds last season came from a corner, throw-in or free-kick.

Indeed, Premiership statistics reveal 81 per cent of all Chelsea's goals last season came from set-pieces, long balls or counter-attacks.

Benitez has meticulously worked out how to combat the limited tactical formation of Mourinho, but knows he needs some attacking brilliance to get past their packed defence.

"It's important to me to hear a team like Chelsea talking about us because this proves they must have some respect for us," said Benitez. "It also means they know we can beat them."

Benitez will welcome Fernando Morientes and Momo Sissoko back into his squad on Sunday.